Black Beauty Ranch was founded in 1979 in Murchison, Texas, by author and animal advocate Cleveland Amory. With over 1,400 acres, it is now one of America’s largest and most diverse animal sanctuaries in Texas, home to nearly 650 domestic and exotic animals, many of who have been rescued from cruelty, neglect and near-death situations.
The residents at Black Beauty Ranch were saved from research laboratories, law enforcement seizures, and cruelty cases. Others were rescued from roadside zoos or were former victims of the exotic pet trade. Still others came from public lands where they were threatened with extermination by the federal government. Bison and cattle, horses and burros, antelope and apes, reptiles and tigers all have permanent, safe homes at this animal sanctuary in Texas, where animals live in protected, natural habitats for the rest of their lives.
From suffering to sanctuary
Black Beauty Ranch offers a safe, permanent, expansive home for animals who were rescued from cruelty and neglect. The sanctuary provides them with proper care and vast, natural habitats where they are free to roam and live a life where they can thrive and embrace their natural instincts and behaviors.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals
Purchase supplies for our animals
Purchases from our Amazon Wish List directly support the care and well-being of the animals at Black Beauty Ranch. Your contribution helps provide essential supplies and enrichment items that ensure our rescued animals live happy, healthy lives.
Frequently asked questions
Black Beauty Ranch is a 1,400‑acre animal sanctuary in Murchison, Texas, operated by Humane World for Animals.
Nearly 650 rescued animals representing over 40 different species, including wild and farm animals, live at the sanctuary in natural habitats. Residents include tigers, bears, primates, kangaroos, bison, horses, and more.
The sanctuary provides individualized care, rehabilitation, and safe, permanent homes for animals who cannot return to the wild.
Yes. Guided tours help educate the public about the animals and the sanctuary’s rescue and care work. Guided tours run once a month, but private tours can also be scheduled by calling (903) 469-3811. You can also call to reserve a seat on a scheduled tour.
Black Beauty Ranch offers animal care and sanctuary support positions as part of Humane World for Animals’ work in Texas. Intern and volunteer opportunities at Black Beauty Ranch are also available.
The sanctuary is located in East Texas, in Murchison, with expansive natural space for rescued animals to thrive. Murchison is approximately a 90-minute drive from Dallas.
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Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals








